Recomindation on a power conditioner

[ReasonablyLucid]

Was recently able to hear my stuff (computer and headphone setup) hooked up to a friends unit and my gawd, all my equipment suddenly kicked even more ass.

SO

I sold some spare computer parts laying around to some technology greedy friends and managed to come up with some extra $$$, id like to limit a purchase to around $300

I was looking at the monster HTS3600, it can be had for $350 shipped on ebay. Unless someone who is the wiser smacks some more knowledge into me ill probably go with this.

Would there be a better unit (company doesnt matter) @ the same price range to get?

Thanks

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Just bought the 3600 on ebay yesterday. Will be here by friday next week

Ill let everyone know how it works when I get it

 

[Audio Addict]

I have been thinking of trying the new PS Audio UPC-200, but with it being so new, I can't find any commentary on it. Their write up seems very interesting. I probably will order one to try.

 

[phreaknupallnite]

I just looked at the date on your post, so you've had the 3600 for awhile. Well, what do you think? I was curious about what are you plugging into it?
The 3600 is a good piece, but its entry level. It is really going to depend on what your hooking up to it to determine if its the right one for you.

 

[ooheadsoo]

He just bought it today.

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phreaknupallnite I just looked at the date on your post, so you've had the 3600 for awhile. Well, what do you think? I was curious about what are you plugging into it? The 3600 is a good piece, but its entry level. It is really going to depend on what your hooking up to it to determine if its the right one for you.

Entry level? It cost $350!

I cant imagine spending far more than that on a powe conditioner.

I was planning on plugging my computer (3 monitors and a shuttle rig) and headphone setup into it.

 

[lan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReasonablyLucid I was planning on plugging my computer (3 monitors and a shuttle rig) and headphone setup into it.

That may not work because the noise from the switching power supplies in the computer will just pollute the headphone setup's power. It's best to have separate conditioners for those two things.

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lan That may not work because the noise from the switching power supplies in the computer will just pollute the headphone setup's power. It's best to have separate conditioners for those two things.

You sure? becasue according to the internal schematic it says there are different filters for each colored set of plugs on the back.

http://www.monstercable.com/power/sc...cs/HTS3600.pdf

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Would I benifit any from getting a higher quality power cable to run from the 3600 to my amp?

Im thinking yes because of the close proxmitity my amp is to my computer/monitor.

 

[lan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReasonablyLucid You sure? becasue according to the internal schematic it says there are different filters for each colored set of plugs on the back.

Well if the outlets are in series it's not as good. Also for each duplex, each outlet isn't filtered from the other usually so I would only use one outlet on a duplex.

A better powercord from the 3600 would help if you wanted to keep the noise out from output of the conditioner. It may not help as much with current if the filter has already current limited.

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lan Well if the outlets are in series it's not as good. Also for each duplex, each outlet isn't filtered from the other usually so I would only use one outlet on a duplex. A better powercord from the 3600 would help if you wanted to keep the noise out from output of the conditioner. It may not help as much with current if the filter has already current limited.

I was planing on plugging only one thing into each of the colors to keep the audio stuff as isolated as possible from the computer/monitors.

I bought a PS Audio xStream Statement cord from audiogon for my amp to plug into this.

What is the current capicity of the 3600 anyway? On the tech sheet it says 50amps is the peak capicity but it doesnt mention the safe constant draw is.

 

[lan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReasonablyLucid What is the current capicity of the 3600 anyway? On the tech sheet it says 50amps is the peak capicity but it doesnt mention the safe constant draw is.

I don't know but you can hear if a conditioner is power limiting anyway. It doesn't matter what the spec says.

 

[Len]

For headamps and digital gear, current limitation probably won't play a significant factor. I'm not sure what the Monster PC is rated for (it is current limiting as most conditioners with surge protectors and transformers are). If you hear any dynamic compression, the conditioner is likely the culprit. Again, probably not a big deal for low power gear. But for stereo amps, it's my contention any properly designed amplifier should have a properly designed power supply, and these sound their best directly plugged into the wall.

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lan I don't know but you can hear if a conditioner is power limiting anyway. It doesn't matter what the spec says.

Well I dont want the thing exploding or blowing a fuse

I doubt ill be plugging more than 10amps worth of power draw into it anyway.

 

[gaboo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Len But for stereo amps, it's my contention any properly designed amplifier should have a properly designed power supply, and these sound their best directly plugged into the wall.

Won't a fully isolated supply/ups that regenerates (pure) sine wave be better?